Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs James Beeby is saying goodbye to the Keene State community.
In an email students, faculty and staff received Wednesday, March 13, Keene State President Melinda Treadwell announced Beeby has been officially named the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
“For personal reasons, James began exploring opportunities this fall and I supported his search,” the email states. “My Cabinet colleagues and I wish him the best, and we look forward to our continued work together as he winds down his time at Keene State, with a planned departure at the end of this academic year.”
Beeby was reportedly a finalist for a Chancellor position at the UWL following the firing of the previous Chancellor three months ago, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s student newspaper The Daily Cardinal.
UWL officially announced three people as finalists for the position on March 1, according to the UWL website.
“We understand Dr. Beeby is exploring opportunities that might enable him to be closer to family. We will update the community if there are any imminent changes,” Paul Miller, director of strategic communications, stated in an email, on Friday, March 8, to The Equinox.
Regarding the possibility of KSC not having a provost, Treadwell said on Monday, March 11, it could be an opportunity to “pause for a minute and ask the campus … What will best support our faculty?”
Additionally, she said it is normal for people to explore other options while still on the job. If the time does come, she will engage with the faculty, deans and students to ask questions on “what do we need to do?”
“I supported him in his efforts to think about this position, I’m proud that he’s [Beeby] selected as a finalist,” Treadwell said. “If he chooses to leave, Keene State College will be just fine.”
Beeby was not available for comment by publication deadline.
Tim Bruns can be contacted at
tbruns@kscequinox.com
This article has since been updated with information regarding Beeby’s departure.
